Floyd Against Drugs Observes Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31.

Floyd County will celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31. It is a week in which we will remember DEA Agent Enrique Camarena who was murdered by drug traffickers in 1985. This violent act created a continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance to illegal drug use.

Through the boundless efforts of the Youth Action Team, who have created the theme “ITune Out Drugs” for Red Ribbon Week 2016, FAD will be delivering drug awareness materials to all students in the Rome/Floyd county area. Thanks to many wonderful volunteers who have taken time out of their busy schedules, FAD will provide red shoelaces, color changing pencils, and stickers to all of our students in the Rome/Floyd county schools. The shoelaces and pencils have the theme “ITune Out Drugs” imprinted on them. “ITune Out Drugs” [presents a positive message to our youth that they can make good choices and engage in activities which do not involve drugs or alcohol.

Floyd Against Drugs (FAD) is a community based organization bringing drug awareness to all of Floyd County, Georgia. FAD’s mission is to mobilize the entire community to work together to reduce the youth and adult use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in Rome and Floyd County. FAD was created in 2000 and its members are volunteers from all sectors of the community. In October 2015 FAD received a federal grant from The Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration (SAMSHA). FAD works collaboratively with social service agencies, local law enforcement agencies, and other non-profit organizations on drug abuse issues.

FAD’s past activities have included nationally recognized speakers to the community and local schools, participation in the Teen Maze, Table Talk, Men’s and Women’s Health Fairs, Town Hall meetings, drug drops, and Red Ribbon Month activities.

There are countless organizations throughout Georgia that are playing an active role in making their community drug-free. Only by working together can we raise awareness of illegal drug usage and move ever closer to the day when we live in a drug-free state.